Ross conceded their fourth league defeat in a row on Saturday. In a disjointed and error strewn match it was Whitehall that did just enough to emerge as victors winning 17-7.

Ross got off to a poor start. Conceding early territory to an 'up for it' home side, within five minutes they were already 7 points down. After turning over ball in midfield, Whitehall moved the ball left. Some weak tackling wide out saw their Winger cross to score under the posts. They converted and Whitehall were 7-0 up. Whitehall continued to pile on the pressure for the first quarter and could have added to their lead, however, Ross’s defence just managed to prevent any further scores. Ross settled in the second quarter and began to establish some possession and territory. It seemed as if it was only a matter of time before they would open their account, but basic errors and bad decision making saw too many opportunities go begging and at half time the score remained 7-0.

Ross needed to score early in the second half, however, playing up the slope they conceded territory deep in their twenty two and Whitehall scored wide out on the left to open up a 12 point lead. With the game slipping away, Ross finally put some urgency into their play. With Whitehall under pressure, their error count increased and a more aggressive Ross pack began to make inroads, and finally, with the game entering the last quarter Ross opened their account. From a penalty in the Whitehall twenty two, scrum half James Hughes tapped and beat two defenders before having the strength to take another two tacklers over the line to score. Via both posts he converted his score and Ross were back in the game at 12-7.

Ross continued to keep up the pressure and with less than 10 minutes remaining had a number of penalties in the Whitehall twenty two. First Tim Hanks was held up short, then Matt Redman and Tara Barnett. However, when a calm head and composure was required, Ross got turned over and Whitehall cleared their lines. To add insult to injury they then added a late score to put themselves 17-7 clear at the final whistle.

The Ross on Wye Walford Timber Man of the Match was James Hughes.

Next Saturday, 7th November, Ross will play at home against Spartans of Gloucester. Kick off is at 2:30pm.

Over 170 Ross Rowing Club members and guests were warmly entertained at their annual Regatta Ball where the Guest of Honour was 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medallist, Andrew Hodge. The club is delighted to say that the event was the best ever Regatta ball it has ever experienced. The Dinner was also graced by special guests, Rhiannon Jones and Steve Tuck, who have both worked through the Ross performance system and won gold medals for Britain in international events. The Club had a lot to celebrate, having had its most successful season ever, with 4 National medals, 120 club wins, the hosting of its most successful regatta and a fast growing membership.

Andrew Hodge made the most of his first visit to Ross, taking a chance to view the Junior Academy with his partner Eeke Thomee during Saturday afternoon. Eeke rowed in the Dutch women's squad and provided much inspiration to the high performance junior girls who are about to embark on their own GB trials journey. In his speech, Andrew commented on how impressed he was at the incredible progress the club has made. He added, 'I must congratulate you and the committee on what you have achieved and done over recent years. Ross should be a model for many other clubs to follow.'

The Club then took the opportunity to present the annual prizes, which were awarded as follows:.

Cox of the year was won by Morgan Baynham-Williams,
Club person of the year was won by Tim and Mandy Crossman for all their hard work in organising amongst many things the summer party and the regatta ball. Ian Howell for the fourth year in a row was awarded the prize for best contribution to the development of rowing at the Club.
Over 30 winners certificates were awarded and Club Captain Ian Howell took the opportunity to celebrate the success of the two most successful Club coaches John Lewis (Junior Captain ) and Malcolm Pobjoy (Mens squad) who both received commemorative pots.

The presentation ceremony was capped with the award of specially engraved tankards for the High Performance squad of Phil Davies, Steve Randell, Anthony Dixon-Gough, Rolland Robinson and Morgan Baynham-Williams. This group are the most successful Ross Club oarsmen in recent times having won at Vet Henley, and having captured the West of England Challenge Vase for the first time in 60 years.

The Chase hotel provided the perfect venue for this now prestigious event. By being able to work closely with hotel manager Colin Parcell and Duty Manager Cherith Pechey the event ran beautifully. The Dinner guests enjoyed excellent food, wonderfully served by the well organised hotel team.

The guests then danced long into the night to the music of the brilliant band 'Silva.' It was indeed a night to remember!

On Saturday, Ross RFC 2nd's played away to Cinderford 4ths and were unfortunate to come away with a 17 points to 0 defeat, with all fifteen players putting in an enormous effort. Ross started very bright, forcing the Cinderford forwards into making handling errors. Ross were unfortunate not to go into half time six points to nil up, only with the post keeping out captain, Craig Powell's penalty kick.

As the second half started Ross let their heads drop and Cinderford opened the scoring with a converted try. Ross picked themselves back up and tried taking the game to Cinderford but were unlucky to concede a try from a counter attack. The conversion was missed making the score 12-0. With the clock ticking away, Cinderford managed to score another try. The conversion was missed and the game came to an end.

There were all round solid performances from Paul Hayward, Karl Pritchard, Troy Mccauley, Paul Phipps and Rob Jode, just to name a few, with pivotal roles in the backs from Craig Powell, Tim Chainey and Sam Griffiths.

It was hard to choose one man for The Walford Timber man of the match award, so it was shared between all fifteen players.

Ross 2nd's next game is away to Bromsgrove 4ths on Saturday, 7th November. If any new or old players are interested in playing for Ross then training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 6:30pm at the Sports Centre.